Abby to host Veterans Day program Nov. 11

Once again this year the School District of Abbotsford will observe Veterans Day with the traditional Veterans Day Program in the North Gym on Nov. 11 starting at 10 a.m. All Veterans and community members are invited to attend. This program provides an opportunity for the Abbotsford community and students to gain an appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made so we can enjoy the many freedoms we have today.

The highlight of the program again this year will be the guest speaker. This year the guest speaker will be SGT Skip Klabon. SGT Klabon is a 1964 graduate of Owen-Withee High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1964. Following his enlistment, SGT Klabon left for intensive training at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot at San Diego, Calif.

After that he reported to Camp Pendleton, Calif., for advanced infantry training. In March 1965, he and his unit left with RLT 7 to Vietnam, landing in Chu Lai, Vietnam, in July 1965, where he served combat duty with B Company 1st Tank Bn until June 1966. He then returned to Camp Lejeune, N.C., as a member of C Company 2nd Tank Bn. until October 1966, at which time he volunteered for his second tour of duty serving with A Company 3rd Tank Bn. in the DMZ area of Vietnam.

On March 27, 1967, a rocket landed next to Sergeant Klabon’s tank, which ejected him from the tank, resulting in major back and hip injuries along with embedded shrapnel in his upper torso. After rehabilitation, he became an MP until December 1967 and then went to Cuba until his discharge in June 1968. SGT Klabon resides in Colby and now has four sons and two are part of the military family.

A luncheon following the program will be provided for all Veterans and spouses. The luncheon should start around 11 a.m. If you are interested in attending the luncheon, RSVP with the number of people attending to the Abbotsford High School office at (715) 223-2386 by November 8, 2022.